What I Read Last Week - December 22th to 28th

 


4 Stars

Dawn of the North delivers a cold, atmospheric fantasy filled with slow-burning tension, rich worldbuilding, and characters shaped by hardship. The setting is immersive and brutal in the best way, with a northern landscape that feels just as dangerous as the forces moving through it.

That said, the pacing occasionally dragged for me. Some sections felt drawn out, lingering a bit too long on travel or internal reflection, which dulled the momentum at times. While the payoff was solid, I found myself wishing certain scenes had been tightened to keep the story moving more sharply.

Still, the character development is strong, and the emotional stakes remain compelling throughout. The relationships feel layered and earned, and the overarching plot continues to build in an intriguing direction for the series.

Overall, this was a good installment that deepens the world and characters, even if it takes its time getting there. A solid four star read for fans of immersive, slow burn fantasy who don’t mind a more deliberate pace.

4 Stars


I’d heard a lot of buzz about Matt Dinniman, and I’m happy to report it wasn’t hype. This one was a full throttle sprint through sci-fi chaos and political intrigue, with twists that kept me flipping pages. Sharp, weird in the best way, and wildly entertaining. I’m officially on board the Dinniman train now.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.



4 Stars


A strong and satisfying conclusion to the Shades of Magic trilogy, with high stakes and solid emotional payoff. The characters’ arcs feel earned, and the ending brings the series together well.

That said, the pacing dragged at times, and the book felt longer than necessary. Some sections could have been tightened to maintain urgency.

Overall, a good finale despite being slow in spots. A four star read for fans who don’t mind an epic length ending.


4 Stars

Tatooine Ghost is a thoughtful, character driven Star Wars novel that leans more on emotional depth than galactic spectacle. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, this story gives Leia space to confront her past, her identity, and the weight of legacy in a way that feels meaningful and well earned.

Denning does an excellent job exploring Leia’s internal conflict, especially her complicated connection to Anakin Skywalker and what it means to carry that history. The quieter moments shine here, adding nuance to a character we often see only in battle or politics. Han and Leia’s relationship also feels authentic, with warmth and tension woven naturally into their interactions.

The plot itself is fairly contained and slower paced than some Star Wars entries, which kept this from reaching five stars for me. If you’re looking for nonstop action, this may feel restrained.

Still, as a reflective addition to the expanded universe, this book succeeds beautifully. A strong four star read for fans who enjoy character exploration, lore, and emotional storytelling within the Star Wars galaxy.

5 Stars

This book surprised me in the best way. I went in unsure if it would be my thing, and came out completely sold. The science is presented in a way that feels approachable without ever talking down to the reader, making it easy to follow while still feeling smart. Instead of getting bogged down in explanations, the story keeps moving, pulling you along at a relentless pace.

What really worked for me was how fun it was to dive into the multiverse. Each shift felt purposeful and emotionally grounded, not just a flashy concept exercise. At its core, this is a story about choice, identity, and the lives we almost live, wrapped in a sci-fi thriller that’s hard to put down.

Fast, thoughtful, and surprisingly heartfelt, this ended up being a five star read for me. A perfect blend of accessible science and mind bending storytelling.

3 Stars

I went into this one expecting a fun, tongue in cheek romp, and while the premise absolutely delivers on sound, the execution didn’t quite work for me. The humor and quirky tone that will charm some readers often felt a little too forced for my taste, pulling me out of the story instead of drawing me in.

The characters leaned heavily into exaggerated personalities, which made it hard for me to fully connect or invest emotionally. What should have been playful banter and chaos sometimes crossed into repetitive, and the plot didn’t feel as strong as the concept promised.

That said, I can see why this book has an audience. It’s light, fast, and clearly written to be entertaining rather than deep, and readers who enjoy whimsical villain romances and overt humor will likely have more fun with it than I did.

Overall, this just wasn’t the right fit for me. A three star read with a great idea that didn’t land personally, but could still work well for the right reader.

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